Crowley Debuts 95-Ton Bollard Pull Tug for LA-Long Beach Gateway
New 82-foot vessel delivers 6,000 hp and joins Crowley’s West Coast fleet to support San Pedro Bay’s record container.
Crowley has expanded its fleet with the delivery of Venture, a new chartered tug designed to enhance ship assist and escort operations in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The 82-foot vessel, built by Diversified Marine, Inc., strengthens Crowley’s capacity to support the safe movement of cargo through one of the world’s busiest port complexes.
The Venture is equipped with twin Caterpillar 3516 engines compliant with EPA Tier IV emissions standards, generating over 6,000 horsepower. Its azimuth stern drive thrusters provide up to 95 tons of bollard pull, allowing the tug to maneuver some of the largest vessels operating in North American waters with precision. The design ensures exceptional control during docking, undocking, and transit operations in the San Pedro Bay port complex.
Built on the Columbia River by Diversified Marine, Inc., the tug meets Jones Act requirements, ensuring it was constructed in the U.S. and will be crewed by American mariners. This compliance aligns with federal regulations supporting domestic shipbuilding and maritime employment.
The vessel’s technical capabilities: Crowley
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach handle a substantial share of U.S. containerized trade, particularly with Asia. Harbor tugs like Venture play a vital role in maintaining operational safety and efficiency, assisting vessels as they navigate the congested waterways of the San Pedro Bay complex.
John Ara, Crowley’s vice president of marine services, highlighted the significance of the new tug:
Supporting trade at a critical gateway
“Venture strengthens our ship assist and escort capabilities in Los Angeles and Long Beach, providing the capacity and performance to help advance trade through this key corridor. Its advanced maneuverability and powerful engines allow us to meet the demands of some of the largest vessels calling on the West Coast, while supporting our commitment to safe, efficient harbor operations.”
John Ara·Vice President of Marine Services at Crowley
The Venture joins Crowley’s existing fleet of Tier IV Rapport tugs, Athena, Apollo, Hercules, and Artemis, operating along the West Coast. Together, these vessels provide around-the-clock support, ensuring the reliable movement of goods through the region’s ports.
As global trade continues to grow, investments in modernized harbor infrastructure, including advanced tugs like Venture, help maintain the competitiveness of U.S. ports while prioritizing safety and operational efficiency.
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